“Trust me, Grace, I know how to handle a late night.” My cheeks darkened at the implication. “But I’ve been told not to do anything with you. And that includes having drinks.”
“Would youwantto do morewith me?”
A slow smirk made its way across his face. “Baby, if I told you the answer to that question, I’d get in huge trouble.”
“Get in trouble then.” My voice was breathless and I felt like I had run a marathon. Then I processed his words. “Wait, who told you not to talk to me? Why would they do that?”
“Wren did. And it’s because of me. I don’t do relationships. Ever. If we did anything, it’d be a one-time thing and then I’d move on.”
He said it like he’d rehearsed it, and I wondered how many other women he’d given this speech to before.
“O-oh,” I said. Too much had happened in the last hour, and I was struggling to keep up.
Dean was a playboy. He was into someone for one night.
Years ago, I would have said no to a guy like this. I’d had big dreams of a romance that resulted in kids and a great, loud life.
And now I was over thirty. The last guy I was with was from out of town and thought my left butt cheek was my clit.
And since then, my options hadn’t been great.
But now, I wanted to enjoysomething. Vibrators only did so much. I wasn’t desperate enough to ruin my reputation with anyone here. But a visitor? Someone who didn’t want commitment? Someone who’d be gone soon?
Yeah, I could do that.
“Your information was wrong,” I said.
“And what information is that?”
“Whoever told you I wanted a relationship.”
“Really?” he asked slowly. “You sure?”
I nodded. “I love the idea of a one-night stand. Especially if you’re still offering.”
“I’d offer any time of the day, but I’m serious about the no-relationship thing. And I also don’t think anyone should know.”
“Because you’re being a little bad?” I asked. I understood way too well.
“That, and I’d prefer to keep my balls attached to my body, thank you.”
I laughed. It was too easy to talk to Dean, and I found myself wishing we could do it more. I genuinely did want to figure him out. But I had a feeling he didn’t want to be.
If he wanted sex, then sex would be all he would get. And if no one knew? That was even better.
“I’m with you on the no one knowing thing. I don’t really do things like this, and with how Brooke is, I’d prefer to remain the good sister.”
“And the relationship thing?”
“I agree to your terms. I promise I won’t be chasing you down after this is over.” Slowly, he nodded and a smile crossed over his face.Perfect.I’d said exactly what he wanted me to. “So, wanna get outta here before anyone sees us? People will start coming out of the bar here soon.”
“My hotel is twenty minutes away.”
“Folks might see me get into your truck. Not ideal. I have the perfect place.”
“This isyourshop?”
My eyes roamed over the racks of clothes. Not much was visible since I hadn’t turned the lights on. But I knew styles of all kinds were on display. “Yep. I bought it a few years ago.”